4 /5 Salik Sarwar: As one of the few Halal steak houses in Milton Keynes, Parilla has been my "special occasion" spot, and it certainly looks the part. The atmosphere in the restaurant is truly excellent, creating a great vibe that is perfectly complemented by the staff. Every time I’ve visited, the team has been very kind, vigilant, and incredibly helpful, which makes the inconsistency of the kitchen even harder to swallow. On my first visit, the food started with a bit of a whimper; the Wagyu Empanadas were quite light and not very special—as an Asian, they just felt like a standard keema puff pastry. However, the Beef Short Ribs were delicious and the medium Ribeyes were cooked to perfection. Paired with a fantastic Watermelon Cucumber Mojito, it felt like a winner.
Unfortunately, my subsequent visits havent lived up to that initial high. During my second trip, I branched out to the lamb chops, which turned out to be the worst I’ve tasted—hard, chewy, and nearly impossible to enjoy. While my 500g Ribeye was once again fantastic, my wife’s Filet was so incredibly salty that it made the whole experience feel average at best. It became clear that while the staff are doing their best on the floor, the kitchen is struggling with consistency.
My most recent visit only yesterday, was the most disappointing of all. We ordered the beef short ribs to come as a starter, but just as I was about to take my first bite, the steaks landed on the table. Not only was the timing off, but the short ribs arrived with significantly less sauce than we had previously enjoyed, leaving us without gravy halfway through the dish. The steaks were the final letdown; both the 400g Ribeye and 300g Sirloin were ordered medium but arrived grey and well-done. I didnt complain because I wasnt in the mood to wait around for a recook, but the ruined texture meant the meal was a total loss. While the service and setting are top-tier, the kitchens "hit or miss" nature makes this a 4-star experience at the absolute max, and I’m unlikely to return.
